Things to do in Istanbul

When you come to Istanbul, you should first take a nice walk by the sea and have a nice tea and bagel break by the Bosphorus.   

Afterwards, you can visit the museums in Istanbul during the day. There are many museums in different districts of Istanbul. But you can especially visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace and Museum, Turkish Islamic Art Museum and Toy Museum.   

The Historical Peninsula in Istanbul is one of the rare places that reflects the spirit of Istanbul as it is. You should definitely go to the Historical Peninsula. You should see Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Basilica Cistern. You can go to Gülhane Park.   

You should definitely go to districts such as Bebek, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy. You should definitely walk down Istiklal Street and take lots of photos. You can also start the day with a nice breakfast on the beach in Bebek.    

You should see Dolmabahçe and Yıldız palaces. You should go to Yıldız Park. You can go to Taksim Square. You can see the walls of Istanbul. You can eat fish bread in Eminönü.    

You should plan a trip to the islands for a day trip or a stay of one or two nights. Heybeliada, Büyükada are all beautiful and worth seeing.   

You can do a lot of shopping in Istanbul's historical bazaars and shopping centers such as the Spice Bazaar. You can find many items, figures or foods unique to Istanbul and our country.

In the evening, you can enjoy a nice fish against the Bosphorus view. You can taste fresh seasonal fish grilled or fried or with special sauce. Later in the night, you can go to a bar or an entertainment venue and have a good time.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Istanbul Hotels page.

10 Karaköy Hotel

10 Karaköy Hotel

5.0 · Great · 3 reviews
10 Karaköy Hotel, Karaköy İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Karaköy, Luxury Design Hotel, Historic Neoclassical Architecture, Terrace Suites, Rooftop Restaurant, Near Galataport.
Getting the best price
39 Kalamış Marina Hotel & Restaurant

39 Kalamış Marina Hotel & Restaurant

39 Kalamış Marina Hotel & Restaurant, Kadıköy İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Kalamış Marina Views | Sea View Suites | Rooms with Terrace | 100 m² Suite Option | Restaurant & Bar
Getting the best price
Ada Palas Hotel, +12

Ada Palas Hotel, +12

4.7 · Great · 14 reviews
Ada Palas Hotel, Buyukada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Büyükada’s Most Romantic & Comcortable Hotel
Getting the best price
Ajia Hotel Kanlıca

Ajia Hotel Kanlıca

4.3 · Great · 7 reviews
Ajia Hotel, Kanlıca Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Kanlıca, Bosphorus Waterfront, Historic Ottoman Mansion, Luxury Hotel, Bosphorus View Suites, Terrace, In-Room Massage.
Getting the best price
Anastasia Meziki Köşk

Anastasia Meziki Köşk

4.4 · Great · 7 reviews
Anastasia Meziki Köşk, Büyükada Istanbul
Central Büyükada, Historic Mansion, Sea Views, Jacuzzi Suites, Fireplace, Balcony Rooms, Pet-Friendly, Family-Friendly, Garden Restaurant.
Getting the best price
Anemon Galata Hotel

Anemon Galata Hotel

Anemon Galata Hotel, Galata İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only)

Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only)

Ank’Ada Ayanikola (12+ Adult Only), Büyükada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Avantgarde Urban Taksim

Avantgarde Urban Taksim

Avantgarde Urban Taksim, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Taksim Location | Spa & Massage | Turkish Bath & Sauna | Fitness Center | On-Site Parking
Getting the best price
Avantgarde Urban Şişli

Avantgarde Urban Şişli

Avantgarde Urban Şişli, Sisli Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Taksim Location | Spa Center | Turkish Bath & Sauna | Fitness Center | On-Site Parking
Getting the best price
Bankerhan Hotel

Bankerhan Hotel

Bankerhan Hotel, Karaköy İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
İstanbul Karaköy Galata | Historic Building | Individually Designed Rooms | Sea-View Rooms | Terrace Room Option | Walking Distance to Galata Tower | Central Location | Breakfast Service | Ideal For: Couples | Art and Design Lovers | Cultural Travelers | Business Travelers
Getting the best price
Blue House Hotel

Blue House Hotel

Blue House Hotel Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Sultanahmet Location | Walking Distance to Hagia Sophia | Blue Mosque Views | Panoramic Rooftop Restaurant | Sea View Rooms
Getting the best price
Bosphorus Palace Hotel

Bosphorus Palace Hotel

4.6 · Great · 5 reviews
Bosphorus Palace Hotel, Beylerbeyi İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Mansion Hotel in Istanbul
Getting the best price
Broyt Hotel

Broyt Hotel

Broyt Hotel, Caddebostan İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Getting the best price
Buke Hotel

Buke Hotel

Buke Hotel, Sisli Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Şişli Location | Near Osmanbey Metro | Breakfast Included | 40 m² Family Rooms | Soundproof Rooms
Getting the best price
Business Life Hotel

Business Life Hotel

5.0 · Great · 1 reviews
Business Life Hotel, Sisli İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Şişli Fulya, Central Location, Spa, Turkish Bath, Sauna, Steam Room, Massage, Terrace Suites, Family-Friendly Accommodation.
Getting the best price
Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, +12

Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, +12

4.6 · Great · 25 reviews
Casa Lavanda Hotel & Spa, Sile Istanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Luxury Small Hotel, Adult Only, Spa Hotel
Getting the best price
Clarion Hotel Golden Horn

Clarion Hotel Golden Horn

Clarion Hotel Golden Horn, Beyoğlu İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Golden Horn View Rooms | Suites with Balcony | Golden Horn View Restaurant | Fitness Center | Free Parking
Getting the best price
Corner Hot Hotel

Corner Hot Hotel

Corner Hot Hotel, Beşiktaş İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Ortaköy Location | 150 m from the Bosphorus | Historic Building | 2-Minute Walk to Ortaköy Mosque | Soundproof Rooms
Getting the best price
Eskibağ Hotel

Eskibağ Hotel

4.7 · Great · 3 reviews
Eskibag Hotel, Buyukada İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Büyükada, Private Beach, Complimentary Beach Shuttle, Sea View Balcony Rooms, Fireplace Lounge, Family-Friendly, Breakfast.
Getting the best price
Eurostars Hotel Old City

Eurostars Hotel Old City

Eurostars Hotel Old City, Sirkeci İstanbul Small & Boutique Hotels
Central Sirkeci Location | Historic Peninsula | Spa Center | Turkish Bath & Sauna | Sea View Suites
Getting the best price